The Model Context Protocol (MCP) integration lets AI tools connect to UserLoop Contests and manage contest data through a secure URL.

Use MCP only with tools and people you trust. MCP access can include both read and write actions for your contests.

## What MCP Can Do

Read tools include:

- List contests
- Get contest details
- Get contest stats
- List entries
- List winners
- Show entries over time

Write tools include:

- Create a contest
- Update contest fields
- Change contest status
- Add a prize
- Select a random winner
- Select a manual winner

## Enabling MCP

1. Open **UserLoop Contests** in Shopify admin.
2. Go to **MCP**.
3. Turn on **Enable MCP**.
4. Copy the generated MCP URL or use one of the install options.

The MCP page provides setup options for Cursor, VS Code, Claude Code, and generic JSON configuration.

## API Key Safety

Your MCP URL contains an API key. Treat it like a password.

- Do not paste it into public tickets, docs, or repositories.
- Only add it to trusted AI tools.
- Regenerate the URL if you think it was exposed.
- Disable MCP when you no longer need it.

## Regenerating the MCP URL

Use **Regenerate** to revoke existing active keys and create a new MCP URL. Any tools using the old URL will stop working until they are updated.

## Disabling MCP

Turning off MCP revokes active keys for the shop. Connected AI tools will no longer be able to read or change contest data.